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Department of Social Services Makes Changes After 4-Year-Old's Murder

In the wake of the beating death of a 4-year-old boy in a foster home in March, the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) is reviewing some $300 million in contracts. The agency says it wants to have better communication with contracted agents who supervise children put into foster homes.

Dontel Jeffers spent 11 days in the Dorchester home of 24-year-old Corrine Stephen, and the initial investigation indicates he was beaten multiple times. Stephen is facing a second-degree murder charge.

Bob Oaks spoke with DSS Deputy Commissioner Susan Getman and asked her what steps the department has taken to prevent other similar deaths.

This program aired on July 7, 2005. The audio for this program is not available.

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